Inn at Glencairn: What Sets us Apart from our Hotel Friends?

Bucolic Setting!

Since we are the only Bed & Breakfast in the Princeton area, we do not have to constantly compare ourselves to other Bed & Breakfasts. So we often compare ourselves to nearby hotels. When we first opened, we thought we could never compete based on location with the in-town places, but after hearing our guests comments and reading countless reviews, we have grown to realize that our setting provides something that an in-town location cannot: peace and quiet. Driving onto the property and viewing the barns and outbuildings immediately takes you back to another time - a welcome respite after a day of touring or hours of endless meetings.

Eggs Glencairn: Our version of Eggs Benedict

Being the only B&B in the area also gives us an opportunity to truly showcase how we are different. Have you seen the breakfasts that Lydia dreams up daily? If not, check out some of the pictures HERE! I would challenge you to find something comparable anywhere in town. Homemade granola AND homemade yogurt? Farm fresh produce and microgreens? Three choices daily to please just about any palate and appetite? Plus, we cater to any and all dietary restrictions!

You know something else you will not see in town? FREE PARKING!!! Chances are you have a car, and chances are you might not want to deal with a valet or endless loops around a parking garage. I LOVE Princeton, but have you seen some of these parking garages? Um, barely enough room to shimmy in and out without a scratch! Plus, overnight parking expenses can add up easily - even just for one night!

Our Great Room dates back to the early 1700s!

And, of course, we have history! Lots and lots of history. Our Inn dates back to the early 1700s. We have oodles of history. Our Great Room has a huge fireplace that you can literally walk into. This is the stuff you see in historical sites and museums - but when you stay at the Inn you are literally surrounded by it as long as you like. This is not a Disney-fied reproduction, this is the real deal and you can explore all the corners and quirky aspects of it.

Finally, we offer comfort and personalized service. We only have five rooms. Lydia is an expert when it comes to reading guests. Want to chat, she will chat. Want to wander around ALONE, she will leave you ALONE! Want to sit alone at breakfast, we can make that happen. Have allergies or sensitivities? We will cater to your requirements. Our rooms, beds, and bathrooms have all received rave reviews from our guests. We want you to be comfortable and we will go out of our way to make that happen. Call ahead if you have truly quirky needs and we will work with you!

So, go ahead and compare us to the hotels around. We offer things that no other property can. Book for visit now and see what thousands of our happy guests are talking about!

CN Travelers Readers Choice Awards: Please VOTE for us!

We are thrilled to announce that the Inn at Glencairn has once again been nominated for the Conde Nast Travelers Readers Choice Awards! This is a very exciting honor for us, and we are humbled to be in the running for four years in a row. We placed third last year in the Mid-Atlantic Region, ninth in 2021 in the Northeast Region and seventh in 2020 in the Mid-Atlantic Region! 

Please vote for us! We would be forever grateful if you spent a minute or two to cast a vote for us. Just click on this LINK and then click on "Hotels" and type in "Inn at Glencairn." You will be asked to sign up for the newsletter but you can unsubscribe if you would prefer not be receive future emails. Voting ends June 30th! 

Thank you for your support! 

Top Five reasons to visit Central NJ in the Spring!

Ok, so we say this every season, but we really mean it this time! Did you know that the BEST season to visit the Princeton area is Springtime? The blooms are blooming and everyone is in such a good mood because Winter is finally over!

Here are our TOP FIVE reasons to visit Central New Jersey in early Spring: 

Punk Rock Flea Market 
Named "One of the Best Flea Markets in America" by Huffington Post, the legendary Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market embraces a life-long love of "punk rock and the arts, tattoos, copious amounts of coffee, the occasional Gin and Tonic, a well-timed beer and a solid, well-styled quiff."

Screening of "The Price of Silence" at Princeton Garden Theatre
The film offers an overview of the state’s history of enslaved people and shares the poignant family stories of its earliest freed slaves. Also explored is the Lost Souls Project, which is working to remember and identify African-Americans who were forcibly removed from New Jersey, the lasting impact of slavery in the state.

Princeton University Eating Clubs Tour
Join author Clifford Zink on a walking tour outside Princeton University’s majestic eating clubs. Learn about the architecture, origins, and development of the sixteen Classical and Gothic-style clubhouses, which date from 1895 to 1928. 

Preservation Hall Jazz Band at McCarter Theater
New Orleans comes to McCarter Theater in the form of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The world renowned band has held the torch of New Orleans music aloft for more than 50 years, all the while carrying it enthusiastically forward as a reminder that the history they were founded to preserve is a vibrantly living history.

Princeton PorchFest
Porchfest is a walkable music festival where neighbors offer up their front porches as DIY concert venues. Talented local performers play rotating sets throughout the neighborhood during this day-long celebration of music, art, and our wonderful community. Stroll from porch to porch to enjoy live, local talent! 

And, if that is not enough, you can also check out Holland Ridge Farms Tulip fields, Grounds for Sculpture, and Biking the D&R Canal or LHT.

The Princeton Area has so much to offer during Spring. Take advantage of our EARLY SPRING DEAL (Book one night and receive 50% off the second night for stays from today until the end of April) and plan your getaway now. Give us a call at 609.497.1737 or CLICK HERE to visit us online! 

Spring Break: Eggs Benedict "Gone Wild"

It all started with Eggs Glencairn: Poached eggs, arugula, and crispy prosciutto atop a croissant, drizzled with Hollandaise sauce.

That version of Eggs Benedict (pictured here) placed in the top 10 for B&B breakfasts! 

As Spring approaches, Lydia is excited to shake things up again with a few of her latest versions of this classic breakfast dish. 

Here are five that she has lined up to try this Spring. Call ahead if you are interested in trying one and I am sure she will work it into the schedule!  

Italian Eggs Benedict: Poached eggs, grilled bell peppers, fresh spinach, fried Pancetta over a Polenta slice, topped with Marinara sauce.

Greek Eggs Benedict: Poached eggs, chopped fresh onion and pepper, Feta cheese, lamb sausage over a toasted pita, topped with Tzatziki sauce. 

Eggs Bollywood: Poached eggs, fried Paneer cheese, cooked spinach over toasted Naan, topped with Tikka Masala hollandaise.

California Eggs Benedict: Poached eggs, goat cheese, asparagus over toasted Sourdough bread, topped with avocado hollandaise.

PacNW Benedict: Poached eggs, cream cheese with chives and onions, salmon over Dave's Killer Bread, topped with Hollandaise sauce.

Puzzles, puzzles, and more puzzles!

You may have noticed Lydia's penchant for puzzles during your last visit to the Inn.  She is an admitted puzzle "addict" and was fully immersed into the craze during the pandemic!  Her favorite spot to piece them together was the dining room table. During the slow days of the pandemic this was ideal until the random guest would show up!

After a few too many interruptions from the brave, infrequent guest and a need for the dining room table, Lydia finally treated herself to a really cool puzzle board (holding up to 1000 pieces and large enough for a 21" x 27" puzzle) that now sits in the Office.  Guests of all ages give her a hand on these puzzles while they visit, and she completes each one.

Flash forward to today: Lydia now has about 40 puzzles that she has completed and we are running out of shelf space at the Inn. 

PLEASE help us!!!!! 

Bring Lydia a new puzzle (that you have completed) and feel free to take one (or two) home from our office shelf. Forgot your puzzle, that's OK, just remember one the next time you visit. And, if you are a serious puzzle fanatic (or know one), Lydia is happy to share information on her puzzle board!  

Vote! Inn at Glencairn is nominated for a CN Traveler Readers Choice Award!

We are so excited to be nominated again this year for the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards! We placed ninth last year for the Northeast Region and seventh in 2020 for the Mid-Atlantic Region. We are so appreciative to be nominated again among such fine lodging establishments!

We would be thrilled to place again this year. To vote, just go to: https://www.cntraveler.com/rca/vote and search for the Inn at Glencairn under Hotels & Resorts. (You will be asked to sign up for a newsletter but you can always unsubscribe.) And, please take a moment to recognize your other favorites. The travel industry continues to fluctuate with the whims of the pandemic and everyone could benefit from a little positive recognition! Thanks for your support!

The Slow Tourism Movement at the Inn at Glencairn

The pandemic has forced us to reevaluate our priorities. We were all forced to take a moment (maybe a year or two) of introspection and take stock of our existence. Some of us enjoyed having an excuse to work from home, or spend nightly dinners with our children and spouses, or put the brakes on our hectic lives. Travel and hospitality has followed suit. Travelers are wanting each and every experience to count because, you never know when you might be in lock down again. Guests are looking for an enriching experience, not just a mediocre bed and a run of the mill hotel to pass through. The buzzword is "slow tourism." Remember the slow food movement? Welcome to the slow tourism movement.

We at the Inn have been practicing slow tourism since we opened back in 2004. Walking through our doors transports guests back to a simpler time. As soon as you step in you realize this is not a cookie cutter hotel. Not everyone comes to us with their eyes wide open. Our favorite guests are the ones who walk through the door and have a skeptical look on their face. Maybe they were there because a spouse made the reservation, maybe a well-meaning travel agent assumed we were the Ritz because of our high ratings on TripAdvisor and Expedia, maybe a relative purchased a gift certificate as a gift. Not everyone walks in expecting a B&B in an 18th century farmhouse.

We recently had a guest who was "put up" at the Inn while giving a talk at a local institution. She was somewhat taken aback by the skeleton key. We know because she posted about it on facebook! What followed in the comments are priceless, ranging from, "18th century dungeon door key" to "do they require payment in schillings" to (my personal favorite) "is Narnia on the other side?" Well, on the other side was a well appointed four poster bed with a fluffy down comforter and silky softs sheets, a comfortable sitting area overlooking our back gardens, and a modern spotless bathroom with fluffy towels and handmade soaps. After one night, we had a convert and perhaps our biggest fan to date. She posted about the fabulous homemade breakfast featuring eggs benedict over baked prosciutto and arugula served with fresh jams, granola and a chocolate truffle along with a grapefruit dish that was so good "I wanted to cry!" When she left, she had a bagful of homemade granola and jams and our homemade laundry detergent.

When you walk into the Inn, you might be taken aback that it does not look like a hotel, it might have a few bumps and bruises because it is nearly 300 years old. We work tirelessly to keep everything maintained impeccably and our recent renovation brought the structure into the 21st century, but at its heart, the Inn is quite simply "an old farmhouse" and we celebrate it as such. So, make a reservation and come see what "slow tourism" is all about. You will not be disappointed.

Not Your Grandmother's Bed and Breakfast

I had the recent experience of visiting a college campus with my teen daughter. We stayed in a bed and breakfast near the campus. Sound familiar? The campus visit was a success, the B&B not so much.

After we checked in and looked around, my daughter said, “Is this what you’re implying when you say your B&B is “not your grandmother’s bed and breakfast?” Maybe the stuffed peacock in the corner, or the extensive collection of glass figurines gave her that idea.

Listen, there’s a B&B out there for everybody, and some people LOVE the stuffed peacocks and glass figurines, but when we opened our doors, we wanted to be different. The best compliment we can receive, is, “We hate B&Bs but we LOVE your place!”

The Hunt Room

Our decor is eclectic. The antiques we do have are mostly sideboards, end tables, and accent pieces. Our artwork is a mix of modern and traditional. Any surface you sit on is new. Don’t worry about encountering a wobbly 100-year old chair or a creaky bed and springy mattress. OK, full disclosure, our floors are random width pine, and crooked, and you can see through the cracks. But, we call that character!

You will never see doilies, stuffed animals, dingy wall to wall carpeting, or drab wallpaper at the Inn at Glencairn. You will see comfortable rooms that complement the era of the building and enhance the ambience. And, rest assured, our electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems are all up to date and working properly! Sure, they didn’t have central air conditioning in the 18th century or flat screen TVs, but wouldn’t it have been nice if they did?!

So, when you book at the Inn at Glencairn. Keep in mind, this is “not your grandmother’s bed and breakfast” and enjoy your stay!

Getting Ready for Jersey Fresh Tomatoes!

This simple recipe allows for the sublime combination of Jersey Fresh Tomatoes and sharp cheddar cheese to create the perfect Summer Brunch treat!

Tomato Pie

Ingredients
Par baked pie crust (homemade or store bought)
2 large tomatoes or several medium size
8-10 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Fresh herbs of your choice
Salt & pepper

Directions
Slice your tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices, salt the tops, and place on a paper towel to drain a bit. Leave them for 20 minutes at least. Chop your herbs (our recipe uses fresh green onion and thyme). In a par baked crust, layer cheese, herbs, and tomato, twice in that order. Top with cheese and some herbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Be sure the crust is nicely browned on the bottom. Remove and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Serve warm. (NOTE: because there are no eggs, baking longer than stated is fine. Go with how it looks.) Enjoy!

Inn at Glencairn nominated for CN Traveler Readers Choice Award!

We are so excited to be nominated again this year for the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards! We placed seventh last year for the Mid-Atlantic Region and are so appreciative of the honor. It has been a challenging year to say the least, and to be nominated for this prestigious award among these top hotels and resorts means the world to us.

We would be thrilled to place again this year. To vote, just go to: https://www.cntraveler.com/rca/vote and search for the Inn at Glencairn under Hotels & Resorts. (You will be asked to sign up for a newsletter but you can always unsubscribe.) And, take a moment to recognize your other favorites. Chances are they had a rough year too and could benefit from a little positive recognition! Thanks for your support!

Outdoor Pursuits in Central New Jersey

If you’re looking for a safe place to visit while awaiting your vaccine, celebrating having been vaccinated (our innkeeper, Lydia, is fully immune now), or just needing a different set of four walls, consider a stay at the Inn at Glencairn. We have nearly three acres of beauty to explore including our 200-year-old barn, stone stables, and old smokehouse. Take your complimentary wine out to the barn to enjoy intimate conversation at sunset or get your coffee in the morning, do some yoga or meditate while listening to the birds chirp. It’s finally Spring so it’s time to GET OUT!

If you’re into bicycling or hiking, consider any of these wonderful locations (bring your own or rent in Princeton):

Duke Farms

At Duke Farms, you’ll find over one thousand acres of land to explore native species, sustainability efforts, and the area’s natural beauty. Walk, bike, or take a class to learn more about conservation efforts and how you can fight climate change. Eat at the farm-sourced, award-winning café or support local farmers at the seasonal farm market. (At the time of this writing, Saturday visitors need to reserve a free entry pass per car. Register online for the pass.)

D&R Canal Trail (Lydia’s favorite)

Enjoy the nearly 80 miles of flat trail that follow the D&R Canal. This is a quiet ride that takes you through beautiful meadows, quaint towns with wonderful coffee shops and cafes, and offers incredible views. The trail starts in New Brunswick and ends in Frenchtown, but you can get on and off in any of about 30 spots along the trail. Consider the four mile ride into Princeton for lunch or dinner so you can work off Lydia’s deliciously filling breakfast.

Lawrenceville Hopewell Trail

There is a nearly-finished 22-mile ride in and around Lawrenceville and Hopewell if you like a more challenging, not-always-flat-and-a-bit-urban ride around those two delightful towns. Stopping off for coffee, tea, or an amazing pastry in Lawrenceville or perhaps lunch in Hopewell should be on your list. Accessing the trail can be done a short one mile ride from the Inn’s driveway (Please use caution on Lawrenceville Road.)

TrailLink System

We are surrounded by dozens of excellent hiking and biking trails through the Rails-To-Trails system. One of Lydia’s current favorites is the Columbia Trail which starts at High Bridge (an easy one hour drive) and rides for about 15 miles. You pass charming towns, a Clydesdale horse farm, coffee shops, and quiet beauty through Central NJ.

Mercer Meadows

This little gem is only a short five minute drive from our parking lot and will keep you walking or biking for miles. It’s an old pole farm and a favorite with bird watchers and naturalists.

Lawrenceville Village Park

For a quick, close walk in a beautiful little town park, head into Lawrenceville and turn on Gordon. In about two miles you’ll drive right into this little charmer. The park actually connects up to Mercer Meadows if you haven’t had enough exercise. Bikes and hikes welcome, or take a book and enjoy reading in the sun.

Institute Woods

If you want to do some forest bathing, try the Institute Woods. A short drive into Princeton, Institute Woods is a beautiful, quiet place to walk, contemplate, and enjoy being alive. The paths are not paved so it’s best for walking, and you will likely encounter all kinds of happy wildlife.

Mercer County Park

This large park has a paved 3.5 mile (one way) bike ride that is pure delight; it has curves, straight shots, and a few rolling hills. Over the lake you can see any of the four pairs of nesting Bald Eagle couples fishing and feeding their chicks, which are hatching now. Juveniles can be seen flying, too. Bring your binoculars and a snack. Mercer Park has lots to offer besides bikes and walking paths. There is an amazing exercise station, new since the pandemic to help people get out while gyms have been closed.

Walking in the Footsteps of History

History abounds in Princeton since this is where the Revolutionary War took a turn toward our side. Princeton is home to several signers of the Declaration of Independence, a place for Washington and his troops during the battle of Princeton, field headquarters for Washington during the War, a five month meeting place for Congress, the final resting place for Aaron Burr, Jr (famous for killing Hamilton), and more.

Princeton University

Walking the campus of Princeton University is not to be missed. The beauty of the Gothic architecture is something to behold. You will need your camera handy to capture and enjoy the beauty of the buildings, archways, and gardens.

Need more reasons to visit Princeton? Let’s talk about the Culinary Presence: Dozens of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants are serving up top notch food that have locals and tourists returning time and again. We have indoor and outdoor dining for your comfort. We have artisan pizza, steaks, chops, generations old bread baking, farm-to-table, and James Beard winning chefs at work. French, Italian, Greek, Thai, Chinese, and American, among others.

"Best Quiche Ever"

When your Chef and Innkeeper says she just made the best quiche ever, you take note, especially when guests tell you that they nearly proposed to her after having her scrambled eggs! Travel is still slow these days, but Lydia continues to try new recipes and perfect old ones. Here is her latest. Or as she calls it “one of the best quiches ever … really!”

Sausage and Spinach Quiche:

8 ounces of your favorite ground sausage

4 ounces of cream cheese

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

5 eggs

1 1/4 cup heavy cream

Handful of spinach

Directions: Brown the ground sausage. Add cream cheese and mix so sausage is covered. Remove from heat and pour into pie plate. Add a little water to the pan used for sausage and wilt the handful of spinach. Layer the wilted spinach on top of the sausage mixture. Cover with shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Blend the eggs with the heavy cream and pour over the mixture in the pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Let the quiche rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Inn at Glencairn named top 10 Hotel in the Mid-Atlantic by Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards!

When we converted our 18th century farmhouse into the Inn at Glencairn, we knew it would be a labor of love. At the time, many nearby historic properties were being deserted, boarded up, and demolished. We wanted to preserve Glencairn and give it life as a sustainable enterprise.

With just five guest rooms, we knew the Inn could not compete on size with the big chain hotels in the Princeton area, but we also knew that those big chains could not offer the unique history, charm, and personality that a small country Inn can provide its guests. So, we focused on what we could offer: A respite from the average hotel stay. We set out to create an environment that would transport travelers to a cozy country estate owned by a favorite relative. 

Now, over fifteen years later, we are so excited to be a recipient of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Award! Being ranked in the top 10 for properties in the Mid-Atlantic really is such an honor. We are beyond grateful to our past and present guests who recognized us by voting. To be on the same list as The Rittenhouse and the Four Seasons is pretty humbling. Our staff, Lydia and Sindi, deserve the accolades. They are constantly striving to improve the guest experience and have been so resilient and dedicated, especially during the current environment. 

So, a big thank you to our guests and to our staff. We are beyond grateful to receive this award! Check out the list of winners for the mid-Atlantic below. 

Condé Nast Traveler’s full Top 10 Hotels in the mid-Atlantic ranking includes:

1. The Rittenhouse: Total score: 99.55.

2. Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center: Total score: 99.23

3. The Reeds at Shelter Haven: Total score: 99.04.

4. The MC Hotel, Autograph Collection, located in Montclair, New Jersey. Total score: 98.54.

5. Troutbeck, located in Amenia, New York. Total score: 98.31.

6. The Roxbury at Stratton Falls, located in Roxbury, New York. Total score: 97.72.

7. Inn at Glencairn, located in Princeton, New Jersey. Total score: 96.97.

8. The Ivy Hotel, located in Baltimore: Total score: 96.92.

9. Historic Hotel Bethlehem, located in Bethlehem: Total score: 95.63.

10. The Study at University City: Total score: 90.45.